98. Dr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the mother of 21039317 Gunner J. Golby, U Unit, Tank Regiment, first learnt from a representative of the Press that her son was about to be court-martialled for murder; that the mother, having heard from her son that he was in some unspecified trouble wrote three times to his commanding officer but received no reply; and if he will inquire into these circumstances.
§ Mr. StracheyIt is not the practice of the military authorities to notify parents or relatives when a soldier is in trouble, as it may well be that he does not wish them to know, and if he does it is felt that it is his right to tell them himself. Such action on the part of the military authorities might well be considered an undue interference in a soldier's private affairs. I am investigating the allegation that the commanding officer has not replied to the letters written by the mother of Gunner Golby, and will write to the hon. Member.